Charlie Crist: 'I didn't endorse' stimulus package. Really?

Charlie Crist on CNN yesterday said he didn't endorse the stimulus package. A snippet:

WOLF BLITZER: Let me interrupt for a second, governor. For a second, do you have any regrets about endorsing the economic stimulus package?

CHARLIE CRIST: Well, I didn't endorse it. I — you know, I didn't even have a vote on the darned thing. But I understood that it was going to pass and I wanted to be able to utilize it for the benefit of my fellow Floridians.

Didn't endorse. Got it? No siree. Yet here's that what Crist said Feb. 10 in Fort Myers when he introduced Barack Obama amid chants of "Yes, we can!":

CRIST: "We've had to cut about $7 billion the past two years and we haven't raised taxes and we're still in balance. But to be candid, it's getting harder every day. It's getting harder every day and we know that it's important that we pass this stimulus package. It is important that we do so to help education, to help our infrastructure, and to help health care for those who need it the most — the most vulnerable among us. And let me finish by saying, Mr. President, we need to do it in a bipartisan way. This issue of helping our country is about helping our country. This is not about partisan politics. This is about rising above that, helping America and reigniting our economy."

Comments

[What a joke]

There goes Charlie, talking out of both sides of his mouth.

Has anyone else noticed that all of his recent interviews
and photos, that he looks like the " The deer in the headlights"?

He knows that whatever he says, that we no longer can believe him.

We won't let his fool us again.

[Randy]

LIAR!

[Krystal]

Charlie Crist- In his own words - On the Stimulus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkt-8xXZTh0

[I-4 swing voter]

From Mike Thomas' column in today's Orlando Sentinel:

Jeb is the undisputed master of the Florida Republican universe. A new St. Petersburg Times-Miami Herald poll shows that 71 percent of Republicans would dump Charlie for Jeb.

Jeb's endorsement in a Republican primary would carry more weight than St. Peter's endorsement to get into heaven.

Jeb intervened in a September Florida Senate primary, backing his old buddy John Thrasher, who was taking a beating from the trial lawyers. Jeb did a 30-second spot for Thrasher.

Race over.

If Dockery ever poses a serious threat to McCollum, look for another 30-second Jeb spot.

Race over.

The big question is whether he endorses Marco Rubio.

It is what Marco wishes for every time he sees a falling star.

Actually, I think Rubio will win anyway.

All you have to do it take University of Central Florida economist Sean Snaith's projections for Florida, and overlay them on the primary campaign.

Florida's unemployment rate will be hovering around 11 percent. At best, the population decline will have rebounded to stagnation.

The state budget is melting, melting, and this time legislators may not be so willing to let Crist get by with a temporary patch.

The worse the economy gets, the madder conservatives get over Crist's support of the Obama stimulus package. If I were in a Republican primary, I'd rather be caught on tape endorsing gay weddings in Baptist churches than endorsing the stimulus.

The political pros now think Rubio can win. It's hard to underestimate the value of that very simple statement.

It starts the money flowing.

It brings news coverage, including a long, surprisingly positive profile on National Public Radio this week.

Rubio is very eloquent on the subject of entrepreneurs creating jobs, and the government thwarting them with high taxes and reckless spending. He tees off on Obama like Tiger Woods tees off on a 400-yard fairway.

He does it with passion instead of anger. He respectfully disagrees instead of shouts. Then he connects the dots between Crist and Obama — be it on the stimulus, cap and trade, or tax increases — and offers himself as an alternative. He's good and getting better.

[needle]

A naked lie

[Joe Wilson]

You lie!

[terminator]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Chuckles hypocrisy is coming back to bite him in the butt!

This guy is toast.

Another big lie, we DIDN'T RAISE TAXES.

Just wait till you want to renew your car tag or drivers license or if you get a moving violation.

Bye Bye Chuckles. Daddy's cleaning up your room back at the house!

[John]

What a liar !

[Get Charlie Out]

Crist can't even lie well. Maybe he should go take lying lessons from his close friend and advisor, Scott Rothstein. Or maybe from his friend, Alan Mendehlson or maybe his other close friend, Harry Sargent. Charlie Crist is a disgrace to the GOP and even disgrace to Florida. Let us send him packing.

[Dan]

Charlie has been a very disappointing governor. Any chance we can run Zombie Lawton Chiles next time around?

[Scott]

And we're all surprised when a politician lies because? Here's a novel idea: When you step into the ballot box, how about voting for someone, anyone, that is running against whomever currently holds that office! Vote all of the incumbents out!

[Mary]

Hey Charlie, PLEASE get out of FL ASAP. This village already has enough idiots.

[mike in st. pete]

Mr. (Adam) Smith.

Did you happen to read Joe Klein's article, which was featured in the 10/22/09 edition of Time magazine?

Apparently, Crist left Mr. Klein with the mistaken impression that he is "pro-life" - a convenient position for a Republican Primary candidate in Florida.

I can remember for years and years - going back to his days in the Florida Senate - when Crist was always solidly "pro-choice".

In fact, in letters and other publications, Crist would always state that the decision to have an abortion was a matter for a woman, her family, her physician and her clergy (or something to that effect).

So, I was shocked to learn about this recent transformation in Time magazine.

Anyway, here is a link to the article on "Florida's Red Meat Republican Primary":

http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1931590,00.html

[surfdog]

anyone take a look at Charlies "cover florida insurance program?

what a JOKE
pays UP TO 50 for dr visits
everything is "pays UP TO" certain amounts "you pay the rest"

why do we have such bad leaders in this state???!!!

[Enquiring minds want to know.....]

And Charlie lies again....what a surprise...let's see how Rich Heffley spins this one....is Heffley even a part of the team anymore? Or did Charlie do away with him???? Here Erin Isaac is out the door since they've hired a communications person for the campaign...GOOD RIDDANCE

[Charlie]

You know it's almost like Marco doesn't even have to campaign against Charlie.....Charlie is destroying himself

[.]

Are you kidding me?

This guy has GOT to go.

[Marco is going to win.... Oh happy day]

Keep it up Governor. Shoot at the rate you go on the national news with these flat out disingenous statements Marco Rubio will need less money to get his principled message out.

Character counts governor. I guess your version of the recap last February "depends on what the meaning of endorsement is?"

This adjective a good fit:

shame·less (shmls)
adj.

1. Feeling no shame; impervious to disgrace.

2. Marked by a lack of shame: a shameless lie.

shameless·ly adv.
shameless·ness n.

Synonyms:

shameless, brazen, barefaced, brash1, impudent, unblushing

These adjectives apply to that which defies social or moral proprieties and is marked by a bold lack of shame.

Shameless implies a lack of modesty, sense of decency, or regard for others' rights or feelings: a shameless liar; a shameless accusation.
Brazen suggests flagrant, insolent audacity: a brazen impostor; brazen arrogance.

Barefaced specifies undisguised brazenness: a barefaced hypocrite; a barefaced lie.

Brash stresses impetuousness, lack of tact, and often crass indifference to consequences or to considerations of decency: a brash newcomer; brash demands.

Impudent suggests offensive boldness or effrontery: an impudent student; an impudent misrepresentation.

Unblushing implies an inappropriate lack of shame or embarrassment: an unblushing apologist; unblushing obsequiousness.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

shameless [ˈʃeɪmlɪs]
adj
1. having no sense of shame; brazen
2. done without shame; without decency or modesty
shamelessly adv
shamelessness n

ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms

Adj. 1. shameless - feeling no shame; "a shameless imposter"

[JimMck]

This fraud of a man, and I do mean other than just being governor, cannot be let to be voted to any other political office in this state. His lying and talking out of both sides of his mouth make me gag. I don't like most politicians in general, but this jerk really takes the cake. He must think all of us here in FLA are idiots. I think we really know who is the real idiot here and he is going to find out next election day when Floridians band up and turn out in droves at the polls to make sure he does not get the Senate seat he covets more than even being governor of this great state. BOOOOOOO for him!!!!

[Truth teller]

JUST ANOTHER LIE BYE CHARLIE.HE LIES ABOUT HIS LIES. WE DON'T NEED HIM HERE OR IN WASHINGTON.

[Shawn]

Do you think he knows those black things in front of him with great big lenses record what you say or does he not realize as governor he is on camera a lot. Good thing he's on his game helping the state.

[Just say NO to Chuck the Schmuck!]

This surprises you?... why does it seem that the self-proclaimed political geniuses over at the St. Pete Times are the only people who haven’t figured out that Chuck is useless, unaccomplished, lying, self-serving, empty suit of a political hack? The fraud’s character is a weak as his fake tan, and his integrity is as fake as his dyed hair and perceived sexual preference.

[Buzzard.]

Charlie, this is what happens when you get into bed with snakes. Those of us who recognize your qualities know you were opposed to this shameful democrat giveaway/looting of the federal treasury from the git-go. But you got weaseled into saying that, "well, yeah, sure...I guess it's an ok plan" by SP Times and other left leaning media thugs..even to the point of giving the Obamunist a man hug. If you get into bed with snakes, you gonna git bit, boy.

[Dave in St Pete]

"I was for it before I was against it." Sounds just like another moron Democrat we all know.

[XX]

seriously, Charlie is writing Marco's campaign ads...

About Erin - she is definitely out. Not because of her inexperience, but because she made Carole mad.

[Billybob]

Erin what's is going on did you move on and not tell anybody. Bring Arlene back at least she would try and then if it didn't work she would just throw somebody under the bus it was like she was marking her territory.

[the church]

That comment is actually a very old ploy for Charlie to use as a sound byte. The notable Republicans instead call them fees if pushed for some answer. All these "fees" are hitting us Americans from every direction. Now I don't know this time around any avid fisherman to help me find good spot to fish; but a simple yet sacred arrangement has been violated...that being thecharging $9.00 for a license to fish off the shore. I only get my bait eaten. So I go-in this [new] Florida, and buy catfish at the store. Expect all kinds of fertilizer to exit Charlie as he aspires to the seat he gave [his man] for the moment. Crist has somehow lost the bottom of his bucket.

[Roy]

Chuck's dancing as fast as he can. Once he's booted from political office, maybe he can fill time with a run on "Dancing With the Stars." He'll need something to do.

[Fugilebrity]

Oh c'mon. Maybe he just forgot.

:)

[TriplePlay]

He sure is making it easy on Rubio. The next thing will be the Republicans producing evidence about Charlie's sexual preference. This is fun to watch as the Repubs murder one of their own.

[Rubio=evil Crist=evil-lite]

Hahaha look at Charlie trying to be evil. Marco's the real deal.

[GatorSphere]

How many times did he raise those freaky eye brows when he was lying?

[the church]

Charlie Crist...the canned Republican. Just pop the top & the wind up key starts to turn. All the guy wants is higher office; and we know what the rewards of that can be. He'd get the coveted yes man seat & may even charge for his vote. Anything's possible. It seems he's got all the props to fill the picture-unless he opens his yap. In fairness to him, the crowd he's praying to be part of does the same thing. But no matter how hard I try these days,I can't get the term milquetoast out of my mind. He's a guy that will have the impact of a gnat. Make no mistake: Florida's not on his mind. So why put him in place for America to "not be on his mind." There are people that actually serve while lining their pockets. Crist doesn't have the vim & verve to be his own man. He'll slip right into the pockets of special interests. All the others did.

[chucko]

The funny thing is, the stimulus has helped. My GF just bought a new HE washer...150 bucks back. My company went out of business, I get a little more unemployment. Many jobs WERE saved (teachers, police, fire) the point is even though the lions share went to big banks(cuz govt. and big business are WAY TOO CLOSE!!) some did trickle down to us. So Charlie was OK to say we can use it. He was wrong to then lie. Say what you mean and mean what you say!Geez!

[Ernie]

The sad part of it all is Gov. Crist has the money to win in the general election for the U.S. Senate seat. He must win his party's nomination, first. If I was a Republican, I'd cast my vote in the primary for Marc Rubio. I'm actually an No Party Affiliate voter. Therefore, my vote won't count in the Republican primary. I'm not about to join either party, regardless. I'm hoping the Republican party does the right thing in the primary in nominating Marc Rubio.

[Charlie the Fraud]

There goes Charlie's double-speak again. Ten more months before he runs the day spa in St. Pete, although, I think he would make an outstanding flight attendent as well. He could probably pull both new gigs if he plays his cards right.

[Matt]

“I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it.” John Kerry

"it's important that we pass this stimulus package" "Well, I didn't endorse it. I — you know, I didn't even have a vote on the darned thing" Charlie Crist

Waffles come in many fruity flavors

[Attorney Al]

Forget these righteous IDIOT NOBODYS who on here commenting because they are mad because you are more successful than them. GO CHARLIE!!!

[Anne]

Same old Charlie. Before his election, he stated (and it was a headline on the article in your paper) that he was okay with civil unions. Last year, he supported Amendment 2, which negated any chance of gay marriage and anything resembling gay marriage, which includes civil unions.

I hope he loses the primary, loses the gubernatorial reelections, and just fades away into oblivion.

[former charlie supporter]

It appears the real Charlie is being exposed. Thanks Charlie for doing nothing to help Floirda for the past 3 years and offering zero leadership. I'm sorry I ever voted for you, but will not make that mistake again.

[Kao]

OMG ! ! !
Does a lying polotician REALLY surprise folks, especially when its Charle?

[bob]

Spoken like a true politician. See he didn't endorse it, he just promoted it. Because he didn't have a vote. You know what they say. How do you know when a politician is lying? When their mouth is moving...

[Attorney Morgan]

Attorney Al, the Constitution provides people the opportunity to express themselves. Anyone who would just put down a group of people as "IDIOT NOBODYS" but claims to be an attorney is foolish. I support those folks commenting on our asinine governor because he is not what I am, and that is FOR THE PEOPLE.

[StPeteJim]

Replying to Attorney AL: What a stupid comment. We are NOT "righteous IDIOT NOBODYS", most of us are hard working middle class people tired of having smoke blown up our butts by some bull crapping politician, as I am sure you are also very good at doing. A comment like that coming from an attorney is almost as laughable as comments coming from Crist. Another rich person who doesn't give a hoot about the middle class. You wonder why people have such a low regard for scumbags like yourself.

[Douglas Stewart]

Charlie is a joke.....I can't wait to vote against him......Charlie sucks..!!!

[Thomas]

Keep running those ads, Charlie. You may repeat it enough to believe it yourself, but the people know the truth. You're toast.

[MB]

Charlie is one big web of deceit. Its time to stop pointing fingers and calling names. Its time to vote out these politicians that are in this for themselves.

[Diane]

So he wanted the stimulus money but was against the stimulus package.

*** It's like if you were against stealing, but if your friend did a bank hold up, you would gladly take the stolen money.

...Re-read that...

That is what we call magical money.
Having money appear out of thin air.

Spending without the bill.

Im sure President Obama would also like to have stimulus money
without a stimulus package: money that appear out of nowhere.

But you cant get it both ways.
For Obama to have stimulus money at his disposal,
he had to take it somewhere, and thus, have his name linked
to the spending of Tax payer's money.

On the other hand, Crist could get away with having money
without being linked to tax payer's money spending. Magic.

He's basically saying he wasnt for the idea of the stimulus, but wanted to go along with the money that it provided.

How hypocritical..

If you really would have been against it, it was your job to refuse it
or at least not appear for it.

*** It's like if you were against stealing, but if your friend did a bank hold up, you would gladly take the stolen money.

...Re-read that...

[Stanski]

Yeah, Right, Charlie [lol] No new taxes, but you come through the back door, raising license fees double for our automobiles and driver license,cigarettes ect. yes, this is a tax raise also! The kind that us Floridians can't afford!

[better spin needed]

I think Charlie would be better off saying he didn't understand what the stimulus actually was, but just thought it sounded good. Most people who know Charlie would buy that. His handlers need to start playing to his strenghs more, start explaining things in ways that are easier for him to grasp...using smaller words.